I use evolutionary and functional genomics approaches to study how gene and genome evolution has contributed to the impressive phenotypic diversity of the animal kingdom. The overarching aim of my research is to pinpoint changes in gene sequence, content and/or regulation at the origins of evolutionary novelties. In my main project within the Marlétaz lab, I investigate the evolution of gene regulation in the echinoderm phylum (sea lilies, sea stars, brittle stars, sea urchins and sea cucumbers) and its link with the acquisition of their pentaradial – or star-shaped – body-plan.